Operating troops recover firearms and war materiel after clash with ASG

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 4, 2017)- Troops of the 32^nd Infantry Battalion, 1ID, PA recovered two (2) firearms and other war materiel after a fire fight with ASG members at Sitio Kanjawali, Barangay Kan Bulak, Luuk in the nearby province of Sulu Thursday (Feb. 2) afternoon, military official said.

The government forces were on hot pursuit operation after a series of encounters with about 50 members of the ASG sub-leader ALHABSY MISAYA earlier this week in Panamao, Sulu which yielded casualties on both the ASG and the government forces.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer CPT. JO-ANN D. PETINGLAY disclosed that the operation is a continuing effort of the Command to go after the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group following President Duterte’s pronouncement of a no Let-up charge in the next 6 months against the bandits.

Two (2) individuals were also apprehended during the operation who were found hiding in the area while the soldiers were scouring. Both were turned-over to the PPO Sulu for filing of appropriate charges after hand grenades were found in their possession, Petinglay added.

Recent recoveries only prove the presence of the bandits in the area and are indicative that they are having difficulty in evading the pursuing forces. Recoveries include the following: 1 M16A1 rifle with 5 magazines; 1 cal. 30 BAR with 5 magazines; 2 bandoleers; 1 backpack containing documents of intelligence value and dilapidated battle dress uniforms.

Petinglay also said that earlier on Feb. 2 Thursday, local residents in adjacent sitios gave information that there were 7 ASG members who were killed and 5 wounded after the series of fire fight between the ASG and Ranger Batallion earlier this week. According to reports, among the wounded is the brother of ASG sub-leader ALVIN YUSOP. Further, soldiers were warned that ASG members hid their firearms and pretended to be locals whenever soldiers are nearby.

MGEN. CARLITO G GALVEZ AFP, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command on Thursday afternoon expressed gratitude to the locals of Sulu.

“The recent operational success is a result of the growing concern of civilians and residents who are now reporting whereabouts of the ASG members. It only manifests that majority, if not all the people in Sulu are joining the fight against the common enemy,” he said.

Further, the WesMinCom Commander reminded the operating troops to be more vigilant and to always follow the Rules of Engagement to avoid unnecessary damage to life and properties.